The Actors Arashi Rikan II as Tsumahei and Sawamura Kunitaro as Magaki

Maker(s)
Artist: Hokumyō 北妙 (fl. ca. 1829-1837)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1829
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 17.2 x 12.2 cm (6 3/4 x 4 13/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.254
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
actor, Anne van Biema collection, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, kabuki, portrait, theater, ukiyo-e, yakusha-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This small print signed Shunko, the early name of the artist Hokumyo, shows the Osaka kabuki star Arashi Rikan II (Kichisaburo II; 1769-1821) in the male role of Tsumahei, and Sawamura Kunitaro II (?-1836) in the female role of Magaki. As shown here, Nakamura Utaemon III (1778-1838) appears in Osaka prints in double half-length portraits composed to focus on the actors' faces. These actors never performed together in the roles specified in the inscriptions. The print depicts a "dream" performance--one that kabuki fans might like to see--through mitate, an unexpected juxtaposition.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 304, p. 344.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use